You are here

Lawyers Say Alamo Followers Gutted Arkansas Properties

Lawyers Say Alamo Followers Gutted Arkansas Properties

Tony Alamo

The Associated Press

TEXARKANA, Ark. — A federal magistrate has ordered followers of convicted evangelist Tony Alamo to stop gutting six Fort Smith-area properties set for auction next month.

U.S. Magistrate Barry Bryant had ordered the properties sold to benefit two men who were beaten, starved and abused while they were children in Alamo’s ministry. The men’s lawyers said Alamo’s followers were gutting the properties ahead of the Jan. 22 sale.

“Plaintiffs have received evidence that the properties are being damaged, including but not limited to waste, removal of fixtures, and other forms of property damage, thereby reducing the value of the property,” the men’s lawyers wrote, asking Bryant to keep Alamo’s followers away.

Alamo was convicted of taking young girls across state lines for sex and he is serving a 175-year prison term.

The properties to be sold include a church building, gym, warehouse, restaurant, a house and a restaurant parking lot. Bryant found previously that the properties were bought and maintained for Alamo’s benefit and profit and he ordered them sold.

Bryant granted the motion to secure the properties the same day it was filed.

Alamo currently owes the men $15 million each in damages plus interest.